Clothesmaking courses in London
Our sewing and clothesmaking courses offer everything from full garment construction to soft furnishing accessories in the latest fabrics. Our focus for each class is to introduce skills and techniques in sequence to give space for learners to feel confident before moving onto the next step. We encourage learners to practice at home where possible to get the most out of class time.
Beginner workshops introduce you to the basics of sewing by hand, building up to confidently threading up before stitching on a sewing machine. Our studio is a supportive and welcoming environment with tutors on hand to provide both 1:1 and group demonstrations and support.
We teach all our classes on Bernina sewing machines, with each learner getting their own workspace and machine to practise on. We know accidents happen so don’t let the risk of broken needles put you off! Our height adjustable chairs and tables mean whether pattern cutting or seated stitching our facilities are accessible to all. Join the sewing revolution and book on a class today.
Any questions? Contact our visual arts team on visual.arts@citylit.ac.uk
- Introduction to using the sewing machine
Course start date: Sun 13 Sep 2026 (and 3 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Renata MinoldoIdeal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £149.00 - Introduction to pattern cutting I Course start date: Tue 15 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel SelormeyExpand your clothesmaking knowledge and learn introductory skills and techniques of pattern cutting and learn how to draft a classic dress block.You will then learn how to use the block to create patterns and silhouettes from a design. This course is suitable for those who have some experience in clothes making and would like to learn how to craft their own patterns.Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00 - Introduction to bias cutting Course start date: Sun 18 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel SelormeyLearn introductory skills and techniques in pattern cutting and clothes making to understand the principles of the bias-cut garment and how it fits the body. This course is suitable for learners with some pattern making or clothes making experience.
Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00 - Clothes making I Course start date: Mon 19 Oct 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Silvia SacrestanoLearn how to make a skirt from a simple pattern. You will be guided step-by-step to produce a garment in a fabric of your choice using easy techniques and, incorporating a zip and waistband.Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £319.00 Concession £259.00 - Introduction to clothes making Course start date: Wed 28 Oct 2026 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Silvia SacrestanoLearn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then construct a simple garment.Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £194.00 - Sewing on Sundays I Course start date: Sun 15 Nov 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel SelormeyStart making clothes with a pair of elasticated trousers in a fabric of your choice. Learn how to choose the right pattern size, lay out pattern pieces, cut out and sew seams, waist facings and hems.Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00 - Introduction to pattern cutting II Course start date: Thu 14 Jan 2027 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel SelormeyLearn introductory skills and techniques of pattern cutting to understand how to draft your garment from a design. Expand your knowledge as you learn how drape, adapt blocks, manipulate patterns and understanding garment fitting and shape.
This course is suitable for learners with some pattern cutting knowledge.
For learners who have already completed this course, you can try a more advanced dress featuring detailing such as pleats, ruffles or gathering.Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00 - Clothes making II Course start date: Mon 18 Jan 2027 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Silvia SacrestanoPractice working with a jersey / stretch fabric & sew a comfortable & wearable top from a pattern which can be adapted into a dress. Learn how to cut, sew and work neatly. Suitable for those with some sewing experience.Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £319.00 Concession £259.00 - Sewing on Sundays II Course start date: Sun 28 Feb 2027
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel SelormeyThis is a follow on from Sewing on Sundays I where you will use what you have learned, to cut and sew a unisex Tunic or Kaftan. This course is also suitable for people with basic sewing skills or, those who wish to refresh their skills.
Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00 - Clothes making III Course start date: Mon 19 Apr 2027
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Silvia SacrestanoPractice working with silk or fine or any luxury fabric & sew a summer dress or an unisex top from a pattern.
Learn how to cut, sew and work fine and delicate fabrics neatly. Suitable for those with some sewing experience.
Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £319.00 Concession £259.00 - Introduction to pattern cutting III Course start date: Tue 20 Apr 2027 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel SelormeyThis is a chance to work on your own project of your own choice creating a pattern of a garment you have designed or a style you have always wanted to recreate from your favored garment.Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00 - Sewing on Sundays III Course start date: Sun 9 May 2027
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel Selormey
Bring your own sewing project and be guided by an industry professional. Skills you can develop include, altering patterns, couture sewing techniques, or guidance with completing a complicated garment from a pattern.Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00
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